Auburn University vs Clemson University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Auburn University and Clemson University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Auburn University vs Clemson University at a glance
Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and Clemson University 38.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,424 at Auburn University and $22,032 at Clemson University. Six-year graduation rates are 82.1% and 87.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and Clemson University 38.3%, so Clemson University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,424 a year at Auburn University and $22,032 at Clemson University; Clemson University costs $3,392 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $19,536 at Auburn University and $14,943 at Clemson University.
- 82.1% of students graduate within six years at Auburn University, against 87.5% at Clemson University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,273 for Auburn University and $79,064 for Clemson University; Clemson University is $5,791 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Auburn University and $19,500 at Clemson University.
- Auburn University enrolls 26,816 students (small city) and Clemson University 23,300 (large suburb).
Side by side
Auburn University and Clemson University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Auburn University | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% | 38.3% |
| Applicants | 27,619 | 47,007 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1390 | 1240–1410 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,424 | $22,032 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,318 | $15,854 |
| Tuition, out of state | $36,022 | $42,378 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,285 | $35,250 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $19,536 | $14,943 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $19,065 | $14,638 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,665 | $16,669 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,366 | $22,127 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,726 | $27,922 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.1% | 87.5% |
| First-year retention | 94.8% | 93.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,273 | $79,064 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 26,816 | 23,300 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Auburn, AL | Clemson, SC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Auburn University reports 93 bachelor's programs and Clemson University 73; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Auburn University vs Clemson University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Auburn University or Clemson University?
Clemson University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and Clemson University admits 38.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Auburn University 1260–1390; Clemson University 1240–1410.
Which is cheaper, Auburn University or Clemson University?
Clemson University has the lower average net price after grants: $25,424 a year at Auburn University against $22,032 at Clemson University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $19,536 and $14,943. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Auburn University or Clemson University graduates earn more?
Clemson University graduates earn more at the median: $73,273 ten years after entry for Auburn University and $79,064 for Clemson University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Auburn University or Clemson University?
Clemson University does: 82.1% of Auburn University students graduate within six years, against 87.5% at Clemson University.
How big are Auburn University and Clemson University?
Auburn University has 26,816 students in Auburn, AL and Clemson University has 23,300 students in Clemson, SC.